If you’re looking for a fun and easy holiday breakfast idea, these Pillsbury Snowmen Shaped Cinnamon Rolls are the perfect treat to make with your family this holiday season.
Whether you’re making them for Christmas morning, a classroom party, or a winter weekend brunch, this easy recipe is sure to bring smiles all around and are a fun addition to our collection of best cinnamon roll recipes for the season.
Recipe at a Glance
Prep: 10 min | Cook/Bake: 15 min | Difficulty: Easy
What it is: With a few simple decorations, you can transform Grands Pillsbury Canned Cinnamon Rolls into adorable snowmen that are as cute as they are delicious.
Why you’ll love it: Perfect for holiday breakfasts or classroom treats, this recipe is quick to make and a hit with both kids and adults.
How to make it: Arrange the rolls, bake according to package directions, then decorate with frosting, pretzel sticks and candies to bring each snowman to life.
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Table of Contents
- Recipe at a Glance
- Why You’ll Love Shaped Cinnamon Rolls
- Recommended Kitchen Tools
- My Kitchen Tools Essentials
- Ingredients You’ll Need
- Substitutions and Variations
- Step-by-Step Instructions
- Insider Tips from My Kitchen to Yours
- Storage & Serving Tips
- More Shaped Cinnamon Roll Recipes You'll Love!
- LOVE this recipe? SAVE it for Later!
- 📖 Recipe Card
- Recipe FAQ's
- Didn't find the answer you're looking for?
- Food Safety Tips:
- 💬 Comments
Why You’ll Love Shaped Cinnamon Rolls
This festive breakfast is part of my Shaped Cinnamon Rolls for the Holidays series, where I share easy and creative ways to turn refrigerated Pillsbury cinnamon rolls into adorable holiday treats.
Day One: Santa Hat Cinnamon Rolls
Day Two: Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls on a Stick
Day Three: Rudolph Shaped Cinnamon Rolls
Day Four: Pull Apart Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls Christmas Tree
Day Five: Pillsbury Snowmen Shaped Cinnamon Rolls (you’re here!)
Day Six: Roundup: Christmas Shaped Cinnamon Rolls
Day Seven: Pillsbury Shaped Christmas Wreath Cinnamon Rolls
Day Eight: Pillsbury Candy Cane Shaped Cinnamon Rolls
Day Nine: Cinnamon Roll Shaped Christmas Trees
Recommended Kitchen Tools
For a full list of kitchen tools used in this recipe, be sure to check the recipe card below. You can also browse my Favorite Kitchen Tools by clicking the photo below.
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My Kitchen Tools Essentials
Tools that will make your time easier and faster in the kitchen!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here's a quick overview of the ingredients for this recipe. For exact amounts and to easily shop for everything, click the Instacart button in the recipe card below to add the ingredients straight to your cart!
Substitutions and Variations
Add a Scarf: Use thin strips of fruit leather, sour candy belts, or red licorice to wrap around the “neck” for a festive scarf.
Different Candy Features: Swap the red candy nose for an orange M&M or Reese’s Pieces to mimic a carrot nose, or use a small piece of orange gummy candy cut to shape.
Mini Top Hats: Add a mini chocolate peanut butter cup (upside down) topped with a chocolate wafer cookie to create little hats.
Homemade Option: Replace the canned cinnamon rolls with my easy Homemade Cinnamon Roll Recipe.
This recipe has not been tested with other substitutions or variations. If you replace or add any ingredients, please let me know how it turned out in the comments below!
Step-by-Step Instructions
This section provides step-by-step photos and instructions to guide you through the recipe. For the complete printable version, scroll down to the recipe card below.
Step 1: Open the can of cinnamon rolls and separate one roll. Gently unravel the dough halfway, then start rolling the loose end back in the opposite direction to form a smaller spiral connected to the original roll.
Step 2: This creates a figure-8 shape, with the larger circle as the snowman’s body and the smaller one as the head.
Step 3: Bake at 350°F for 10–12 minutes, or until the rolls are puffed and lightly golden. Once baked, spread the icing over the warm rolls, then decorate each snowman with chocolate chips for eyes and buttons, pretzel sticks for arms, and a red candy for the nose.
Insider Tips from My Kitchen to Yours
✔️ DO use the Grands Cinnamon Rolls that come five to a can. They’re the easiest to unroll and shape, making it simple to create perfect snowmen.
❌ DO NOT overbake the rolls or they’ll lose their soft, gooey texture that makes them so delicious.
Storage & Serving Tips
Refrigerate: Store any leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freezing is not recommended once decorated, as the candies and pretzels can lose their texture. You can freeze baked but undecorated rolls for up to 1 month; wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag.
Thaw and Reheat: Thaw frozen rolls in the refrigerator overnight. Warm in a 300°F oven for about 5–7 minutes, or until heated through.
Serving Tips: Decorate just before serving for the best presentation. If making ahead, keep the rolls plain and add the frosting and decorations once reheated.
More Shaped Cinnamon Roll Recipes You'll Love!
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📖 Recipe Card
Pillsbury Snowmen Shaped Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients
Equipment
Video
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F
- Open the can of cinnamon rolls and separate one roll. Gently unravel the dough about halfway, then roll the loose end back in the opposite direction to create a smaller spiral attached to the larger one.
- Place the shaped roll on a baking sheet so it forms a figure-8 shape, with the larger spiral as the snowman’s body and the smaller one as the head.
- Bake at 350°F for 10–12 minutes, or until puffed and lightly golden.
- Spread the icing over the warm rolls, then decorate with chocolate chips for eyes and buttons, pretzel sticks for arms, and a red candy for the nose.
Nutrition
Notes
- Unroll the dough gently so it doesn’t tear while forming the head.
- Pinch the head and body together if needed to help them bake as one piece.
- Add the decorations after icing so everything sticks easily.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Reheat briefly in the microwave to soften the rolls before serving.
- Shape the snowmen up to a day ahead and refrigerate; bake and decorate just before serving.
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Recipe FAQ's
To view the answers, simply click on the down arrow (⬇) next to each question. If you have any other questions not answered here, please leave a comment!
The rolls may spread a bit as they bake, but you can keep the “figure 8” shape by checking them halfway through baking. Carefully remove the tray from the oven and gently reshape the snowmen with a spatula or your fingers (be careful...they're hot!). Then return them to the oven to finish baking. This quick step helps the head and body stay defined.
Let the cinnamon rolls cool for a few minutes before decorating. If they’re too warm, the icing will melt and the candies may slide out of place. Once the icing is slightly set but still tacky, add the chocolate chips, candy nose, and pretzel arms so they stay put without sinking or slipping.
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Food Safety Tips:
- Baked goods are done when they reach their recommended internal temperature—usually between 190–210°F (88–99°C), depending on the type. Always check the recipe for exact guidance.
- Avoid cross-contamination by using separate utensils for raw meat and cooked foods.
- Use separate utensils and surfaces for raw ingredients, especially eggs, to prevent cross-contamination.
- Always wash your hands thoroughly after handling raw meat.
- Refrigerate or consume food promptly; don’t leave it at room temperature for extended periods.
- Keep a close eye on food while cooking to prevent accidents.
- Choose oils with a high smoking point to minimize the release of harmful compounds.
- Maintain good ventilation when using a gas stove to ensure safety and comfort.
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